The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences here in Sioux Falls is currently hosting an exhibit called “LC Bakery,” also known as “The Blackery.” Without going into too much detail, I’ll tell you that the gist of the exhibit is this: the artist is inspired by burned loaves of French bread. He sees their individual curves and shapes and imperfections as something to be admired and displayed. Venturing into the world of sight and smell displays, LC has arranged his loaves of bread on the top floor exhibit hall of the Pavilion. What’s unique about this exhibit is, unless you go every day, you’re likely never to see the same design twice.
When my friend and I stopped by to see it Friday night, we honestly had no response. It’s probably one of the first art displays I’ve seen in awhile where I did not feel compelled to give a response. I just wanted to look at it. I want to stand close to the wall and squint up at the bread. I wanted to stand as far away as possible so as to feel the wave effect produced by the few, every so slightly tilted loaves.
Unfortunately, however, my friend and I were in the minority in terms of our responses (or lack thereof) and many others felt compelled to give there own in the Comment Book. I’ll be honest, it was by far the most scathing comment book I’ve ever read, filled with comments like “This sucks,” “This is not art,” “What a waste of money,” “I don’t understand.” Few of the comments were legible, let alone intelligent and I was actually modestly ashamed of the Sioux Falls audience that I now feel compelled to do one of two things. 1) Go back and fill a page with a stellar review or 2) Write to the Argus Leader. Before I do either, however, there are a couple of things that need clearing up.
1) The Pavilion received grant money for this so your tax dollars are not being used.
2) One of the most common observations in the horrible Comment Book was, why waste the grain when we’re in the middle of a food crisis. My response: the bread was baked locally, using local grain (that probably would have never gone to those who need it most). Thus, it prevented a food crisis in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area for that much longer.
3) Of course it’s art. If you don’t understand it and you keep on talking about it and it expresses different shapes, meanings and concepts (and it’s in an art museum selected by a committee that has always had good taste), then it has to be art. In fact, you walk into the room and there’s no doubt that it’s art.
4) The Pavilion is seeking national accreditation meaning, if their certification passes, you can use your Pavilion member card at the Met or the MoMA, should you ever leave the state.
5) This is only the second time the exhibit has been diplayed–ever. Read about it HERE and HERE.
